Benefits of Keeping a Journal

Writing and keeping a journal is a valuable activity. When you make a habit of writing down your thoughts, activities, emotions and ideas, it shows that you are paying constant daily attention to your life.

When you read your writings some time later, you'll discover a lot of insights and information that you may otherwise have forgotten or overlooked.

Although most people are now using electronic tools, the conventional way of using pen and paper still suit many people. Blogging is a fad now. But unless you want strangers, your boss, or family members to know the intimate and intricate details of your life, you are limited to writing about certain things only.

"Most people are conscious sometimes of strange and beautiful fancies swimming before their eyes; the pen is the wand to arrest, and the journal is the mirror to detain and fix them." - R. A. Willmott

Why Update a Journal

Increase your productivity count

When you write down what you actually do with your time, it will enable you to measure your productivity. You will start to think whether you are fully utilizing your waking hours. This will help you in improving your personal management, setting priorities and manage your time.

Achieve better results

Activities and actions produce results and outcomes. When you achieve any result you can trace back in your activity entry the actions that you have taken to produce it. You can then either choose to do more of the activity or do something different.

Correct erroneous thinking

Your writings are based on your thoughts, beliefs and perceptions. Observe your language. What was the tone of your writing and what were your assumptions? Writing in the positive is something you should do to help yourself because the words you speak and write to yourself have power.

Your log book is the place to gather ideas and information

Your mind wanders off very quickly. Make it a habit to write the ideas and information into your personal notebook as soon as they come to mind. Ideas can help you solve problems and overcome obstacles.

Capture moments

From the moment you wake up, events and situations happen. Capture those moments and put them in writing. Write the things that intrigue your mind and soul. It will make you reflect about your life and what you are becoming.

Your diary is your confidante

Writing releases your tension from the daily annoyance. When you read back your diary, you may come face to face with your hidden fears. Your diary is your best friend especially when a sense of isolation and desolation occupies your mind. It is a place where you can write your deepest, private and intimate thoughts.

Select Journal or Diary

Writing as a Healing Tool